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Influence of BPA exposure, measured in saliva, on childhood weight

Leticia Heras-González1, Diana Espino2, Maria Jose Jimenez-Casquet2

  • 1IBS.Granada, University Hospital of Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|December 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure from dental sealants may increase overweight/obesity risk in children. Physical activity levels also significantly influenced weight status, highlighting the need for further research on endocrine disruptors in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) are linked to metabolic disorders including obesity.
  • Children may be particularly susceptible to the adverse health effects of endocrine disruptors.
  • Bisphenol A exposure can occur through various sources, including dental materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure, physical activity, and the risk of overweight/obesity in schoolchildren.
  • To analyze BPA levels in saliva samples from children in southern Spain.
  • To assess the impact of daily physical activity on weight status in the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 300 schoolchildren aged 7-10 years.
  • Data collection included questionnaires on demographics, diet, and physical activity, anthropometric measurements, and dental examinations.
  • Saliva samples were analyzed for BPA using UHPLC-MS/MS, and risk of overweight/obesity was assessed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Risk of overweight/obesity was significantly associated with body fat composition, sedentary energy expenditure, and sports energy expenditure.
  • Exposure to BPA from dental sealants/composites showed a trend towards increased risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.38, p = 0.058).
  • Not walking to and from school was also associated with a higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.38).

Conclusions:

  • Bisphenol A exposure from dental sealants may contribute to overweight/obesity risk in children.
  • Physical activity plays a crucial role in weight management among schoolchildren.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of endocrine disruptor exposure in vulnerable pediatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
BPAchildhoodendocrine disruptorssalivaweight

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